Smith, who received a letter of comfirmation from Alan McKenna, chairman of the Benwell Cricket Club for whom he will be playing, was told the season will begin on April 30 and run until September 3.

Smith will play for Benwell Cricket Club and Minors for Tynedale Cricket Club, 20 miles apart but both in the Newcastle area.

The clubs play some 22 league matches and a number of 30-over matches in the evenings during the week will be squeezed into the 20-week season.

"It's the highest standard of league cricket in the surrounding area of Durham,'' Smith was told in his letter from McKenna.

"For me this a definitely a lifetime dream, something I've always wanted to do. I'm looking at it as a stepping stone to furthering my cricket, to go onto the minor counties, which is the next level.'' Both Minors and Smith have toured England on a number of occasions for cricket at both youth and senior level.

"The wickets are similiar to those of Kenya,'' said Smith. "But with the atmosphere in England the ball tends to swing more. They are probably the best playing surfaces around.'' The pair just recently returned from the ICC Trophy Tournament in Kenya as members of the Bermuda team. Smith is one of the Island's top early-order batsmen while Minors is the leading young wicket-keeper.

They have come through the ranks at St. George's and were key members in the club's championship push last season.

"If anything I'll miss being comfortable with the players at St. George's, with the spirit they bring to the game,'' said Smith.

As neither player will be paid by their clubs, both are looking for local sponsors to assist with their expenses while they are in England.

The pro at Smith's club is an Australian while a West Indian, Kester Sylvester, of the Windward Islands, is the pro at Tynedale. Minors will be sharing an apartment with him.

"They've been monitoring me ever since they decided to take me on,'' said Minors, who has been regularly in touch with captain Gary Cant. The players were fixed up by former Bermuda coach Doug Ferguson.

"Doug felt it was better for us to go to different clubs as we might be battling for the same position in the team.'' Smith has put off returning to school in the fall to pursue his dream. "I always thought I had a chance of making it at that level and now that the opportunity has come it's a sacrifice I have to make.'' St. George's spinner David Adams, who had been linked with a move to St.

David's, has apparently had second thoughts now that the BCBC is to freeze player transfers for a three-year period from the end of this month.

CLAY SMITH -- `I'm looking at it as a stepping stone . . .'